June 15th, 2025. The date snuck up on me and sent me reeling. It has been a particularly difficult day - not because it’s Father’s Day, which doesn’t have the same significance to me as Mother’s Day by any means, but because it was the day we were supposed to have Sara and DJ’s wedding ceremony.

This is going to be a year of firsts - my first hosting of Passover Seder and my first Easter (holiday swap) at my friend Donna’s, without my Sweet Sara. I made it through, with much love and support from friends and family, but now I’m anticipating the heartache of Mother’s Day without my only daughter.

Grief is a very personal and individual journey; there is no right or wrong way to experience it. I have been posting bits and pieces of my journey on social media. Many of the responses allude to my strength and positive attitude. Spoiler alert - I’m not that strong and my attitude isn’t that positive. What I’m about to share may bring some tears, so consider yourself warned.